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HEALTH REFORM FACT SHEET
Statement from Secretary Gates on the impact of health care legislation on TRICARE:
As Secretary of Defense, the health and wellbeing of America's men and women in uniform is my highest priority.
Our troops and their families can be reassured that the health care reform legislation being passed by the Con
gress will not negatively impact the TRICARE medical insurance program, as it already meets the bill's quality
and minimum benefit standards. This was clarified by a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and is
expected to be reaffirmed by the Senate. The President and I are committed to seeing that our troops, retirees
and their families will continue to receive the best quality health care.
cess to coverage through health insurance Exchanges and premium tax credits and cost sharing re‐
ductions, health care reform will help these veterans gain access to much‐needed, affordable care.
Senator Warner is an Original Co-Sponsor of the TRICARE Affirmation Act (H.R. 4887) & the
TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act (S. 3201)
· The TRICARE Affirmation Act would simply clarify, and write into law, that TRICARE beneficiaries
already meet the minimum requirements for individual health insurance and will not be required to
purchase additional coverage under health care reform.
· The TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act would ensure that dependent children of our
armed service members and retirees are also able to stay on their family’s health insurance until
age 26.